Dice rolled across one table in a game of hazard. “Follow me.” Turning away, he led Raphe through the taproom, where tobacco smoke mingled with the smell of roasting meat and beer. “Excellent.” His lips stretched into a smile. “ ‘Ow about that drink then?” Eyeing first Guthrie and then MacNeil, Raphe gave a curt nod. “Well?” Guthrie’s voice drew Raphe’s attention back to him. “No worries,” Ben said, pocketing the coin that would keep his family fed for the next few days.

Raphe glared at Guthrie for a moment before What I ‘ave to say to Matthews ‘ere doesn’t concern ye. “I’m sure he’ll be willin’ to wait for ye till ye get back.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a gold coin and dropped it in front of Ben. “And Thompson?” Raphe asked, not wanting to abandon his friend. Share a drink with me,” Guthrie said, addressing Raphe. Guthrie nodded toward Ben, who returned the salutation. Least of all when his henchman, a scarred boulder of a Scotsman by the name of MacNeil, stood at his right shoulder. “Likewise.” He sounded jovial, but only a fool would mistake that for kindness. Good to see ye.” A blatant lie, if ever there was one. Giles had decreased since Carlton Guthrie’s arrival eighteen years earlier. All he knew was that in spite of his own prejudices, crime in St. His origins were questionable, but rumor had it he’d killed more than once in pursuit of power. And yet, in spite of the fine attire, there was nothing cultured about this man, a scoundrel who’d gained his wealth through illicit deals and by taking advantage of others. “Ye fought well today, lad,” a man’s voice suddenly spoke from directly behind him.īristling, Raphe set down his beer on the counter and turned to face his handler, whose attire-a purple velvet jacket and matching top hat-lent an air of flamboyance unmatched by anyone else.

A most unlikely duke by sophie barnes